Larry Shenk, Vice President of Alumni Relations, shares his notes, quotes and anecdotes from the world of baseball.

Mixed Bag of “Stuff”

Non-roster players usually are assigned high uniform numbers and usually dress at the far end of the Bright House Network Field clubhouse. Some are young prospects, some are veterans signed for AAA but invited to camp.

All probably will open the season with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs but all could possibly end up in the bigs with the Phillies.

Here’s a capsule of non-roster players who did just that:

2006
RHP Clay Condrey
RHP Brian Sanches
C Chris Coste

2007
RHP John Ennis
LHP J. A. Happ
C Lou Marson

2008
LHP Matt Smith
INF Michael Cervenak

2009
LHP Antonio Bastardo
C Paul Hoover
INF Miguel Cairo

2010
C Dane Sardinah
INF Cody Ransom
INF Wilson Valdez
1B Andy Tracy

Of that group, the most impact has come from Valdez. He was a savior last season filling in at second, short and third when there were injuries.

New Nix
Rumors having OF Laynce Nix signing with the Phillies, giving them a left-handed bat for the field and the bench. It will mark the first time in the last three spring trainings that Nix will be on a major league roster. Last year, he was non-roster in DC and the two previous springs, the same with the Reds.

Nix, Thome and Wigginton will give the Phillies some pop off the bench. Nix and Wigginton add some versatility in that they can play multiple positions.

Elsewhere
Happy birthday to Larry Bowa, 66; Steve Bedrosian, 54 and Jose Contreras, 40 . . . Rule 5 draft is Thursday morning. Phillies have one roster spot open . . . Charlie Manuel and Vance Worley will be at Citizens Bank Park this Saturday evening for the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Third Base Gate. Majestic Clubhouse store is a great place to do your holiday shopping. Matter of fact, I need to get there soon.

Winter Meetings
Interesting stuff coming out of Dallas. Stay tuned to Phillies.com for the latest news and gossip. Todd Zolecki is on top of everything.

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